Slay the Runway Fashion Showcase Features Rochester Designers and Boutiques

By Tara Grimes
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August 1, 2016 @2:46 AM

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- If you’re a diehard fashionista, chances are you couldn’t stay away from the Radisson Hotel Sunday night.

Six designers and three boutiques, all from Rochester, came together to show off their skills during the Slay the Runway Fashion Showcase. Reality television star Erica Mena and Rochester’s own Toshman Powell hosted the show.

“There’s urban, there’s chic, there’s some New York style type fashions, there’s a good mix,” radio personality and blogger Angel White said. “I think it’s important because sometimes people forgot because we’re so small that there are so many different eclectic talented people here and I think bringing it together just shines the spotlight on people who are working hard.”

“It’s great exposure for the designers, for the boutiques,” creative director and organizer Racqui B said. “I feel like hopefully we cater to their businesses and we expand their clientele.”

Racqui B also said this kind of show fits in perfectly in a city filled with people who have a passion for fashion and they're making sure everyone has a style to choose from.

“The designers are definitely bringing a different variety of style, perspective on fashion,” Racqui B said. “We have different models. The models are different sizes, different ages, body type, so we are going to cater to the entire community.”

To top it off, a portion of the proceeds goes to benefit Dress for Success, a nonprofit that provides professional attire and career development tools to women. That, Racqui B. said, makes this all worth it.

“We do want to get the community involved as much as possible, so donating to a charity, that is perfect!” Racqui B said. “Isn’t that perfect? That is awesome, so we had to do that. Dress for Success was the best fit for what we’re trying to do here.”

Organizers said if you missed your fashion fix this year, they plan on continuing the showcase and even hope to expand it in the years to come.